This Saturday, October 28th, the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington are once again hosting their annual Halloween Movie Night. This year, “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” will be shown at dusk in St. Paul Park on the big screen. Costumes are encouraged for all attendees. The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington will have refreshments available for purchase in the Park, including pizza, popcorn, and candy. Glowsticks will be available as well!
This year, the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department will also be visiting BabyCat Brewery’s 1st Halloween-iversary party. According to the Department’s Instagram story, they’ll bring one of their Fire Engines to the Brewery from 12PM-3PM.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=350012294088962
This Saturday, July 22, the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington are resuming their Summer Movie Night. This weekend, Wreck-It Ralph will be shown at dusk in St. Paul Park on the big screen.
Starting at 7PM, activities and games will be available in the Park, including a water balloon toss and the Fire Department’s Safety House. The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department encourages moviegoers to bring blankets, picnics, friends and family. Pizza, Popcorn, and other refreshments will be available for purchase. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=298801665876692
This Saturday, October 29, the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington are once again hosting their annual Halloween Movie Night. “Hotel Transylvania” will be shown at dusk in St. Paul Park on the big screen. Costumes are encouraged for all attendees.
The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington will have refreshments available for purchase in the Park, including pizza, popcorn, and candy.
https://www.facebook.com/KensingtonVFD/posts/pfbid02ZeJXoeDAzboepkMYZ52AJiB9QgbA6t7wyfisRmXpDcSpo8iP9sbLmVFM9img7Mtal
Per MCDOT:
On Thursday, Aug. 25 starting at 1 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed abandonment of a portion of the public right-of-way on Kensington Boulevard from East Avenue towards Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton. This hearing was postponed from Tuesday, Feb. 22. The public will have an opportunity to provide written or oral testimony.
The applicant, managing member of Banc Realty, LLC, Dr. Bahram Nasehi, is seeking the abandonment of the public right of way to support the redevelopment of the surrounding area and prevent cut-through traffic from Veirs Mill Road through the 11300 Veirs Mill Road property parking lot. The right of way is approximately 70-feet wide, and 100-feet long from East Avenue to the petitioner’s property parking lot where the right of way dead ends.
Online registration is required by 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19 to attend. On the morning of the hearing, an electronic invitation to participate in this hearing will be emailed to you. Testimony and information provided will become a matter of public record. Those who previously registered to attend the hearing are not required to re-register.
Written testimony or questions may be submitted to:
MCDOT – Division of Transportation Engineering
Tiara McCray, Property Acquisition Section
100 Edison Park Drive, 4th Floor
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 240-720-7862
Written testimony carries the same weight as oral testimony. Interpreter services will be provided upon request with five business days advance notice by contacting Tiara McCray.
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Learn more about MCDOT’s engineering and construction projects by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dte.
For more information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
Release ID: 22-093
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
After the COVID-19 pandemic caused cancellations in 2020 and 2021, Independence Day fireworks and celebrations are back in a big way this year. Below is a list of all the MoCo fireworks displays that have been announced:
July 2nd:
Kensington: Mid-County Sparkles at Einstein High School (11135 Newport Mill Rd)
Per Montgomery County:
Mid-County Sparkles will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 with a concert by Joe Falero Band, a Latin Jazz band. Quiet Fire, a soul, rhythm and blues and rock band, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. The timing of the fireworks show may change due to weather conditions. Low lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome. There will be food vendors. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted.
The only parking available on-site at Einstein High School will be for individuals with disabilities. Free parking and shuttle service will be provided from Westfield Wheaton, located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Parking at Westfield Wheaton will open at 5:30 p.m. Event goers who park at Westfield Wheaton prior to 5:30 p.m. may be subject to towing by the property owner. Shuttle service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Follow the directional signs for event parking and shuttles.
July 2nd:
Gaithersburg: Summerfest at Boher Park (506 S. Frederick Ave)
After being cancelled the past two years, Gaithersburg’s annual SummerFest returns on July 2, from 6-11:30pm.
Per the City of Gaithersburg:
A lively street festival with multiple stages of live music, great food, and plenty of activities for kids, spectacular fireworks and an illuminating SummerGlo After Party. Celebrate America’s independence with friends & family at SummerFest, Gaithersburg’s illuminating summer festival on the expansive grounds of Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm. . The free event features live music, food & activities, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display & SummerGlo after party.
July 4:
Germantown: Germantown Glory at South Germantown Recreational Park (18000 Central Park Circle)
Per Montgomery County:
Germantown Glory will kick off on July 4 at 7 p.m. with a concert by Quiet Fire, a soul, rhythm and blues and rock band that covers hits from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Follow the directional signs for free on-site parking. The fireworks displays will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. at both celebrations. The timing of the fireworks shows may change due to weather conditions. Low lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome at both events. There will be food vendors at both locations. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted.
Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request with as much notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. To request special accommodations, contact a therapeutic recreation specialist at 240-777-6870 or email [email protected].
July 4:
Poolesville: Poolesville Fourth of July Fireworks at the Soccer Fields at Hughes Rd and Sugarland
The Town of Poolesville and Upper Montgomery County Fire Department will be presenting a a fireworks show in Poolesville this July 4th. The show will take place at the soccer fields on Hughes Rd and Sugarland on Monday, July 4th (gates open at 5pm).
New food trucks will be at the event, including the Big Greek Cafe truck, Corned Beef King, Flip Side Gastro, Rosie’s Funnel Cakes, Grandma Kona’s Ice, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and more to come. There will be music by Jeff Carmella and representation from many local churches. Prohibited at the event will be alcohol, beer, and wine. Dogs and other pets will also be prohibited and coolers will be inspected if you choose to bring one.
July 4th:
Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration at King Farm (1800 Piccard Dr)
Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration is held annually at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm offerss wonderful spectator viewing, and ample and convenient parking for the 4th of July festivities.
The event will take place on Monday, July 4, 2022, from 7pm – 10pm. Per the City of Rockville:
Free parking is available in lots along Shady Grove, and Gaither Roads as well as on Piccard Drive. These lots are conveniently located near the event site. There is no parking available in the King Farm neighborhood.
Please use main roads such at Route 355, Gude Drive, and Shady Grove Road to access these parking lots. There will be ample signage directing people to public parking. View parking map.
General Information
- Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event
- Bring beach chairs or blankets to ensure comfortable seating. Be considerate so that those around you can see the show too
- No chairs or blankets allowed within 100 feet of the stage.
- Outside, prepared food is permitted
- Most events will take place rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, cancellations will be posted on this page and at www.Facebook.com/CityofRockville.
Montgomery County has announced that they will be hosting two fireworks shows this year. One at Albert Einstein High School in Kensington on July 2, and another at the South Germantown Recreation Park on July 4. Additional firework displays already announced in Montgomery County include the City of Gaithersburg’s Summerfest on July 2 at Bohrer Park, Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration in King Farm, and the annual Town of Poolesville/Upper Montgomery County Fire Department fireworks display.
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Montgomery County will host two Independence Day fireworks displays this year, one on Saturday, July 2 and the other on Monday, July 4. “It’s great to be able to gather again and enjoy the fireworks and celebrations,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I know they have been missed by so many. These are the first in several years; we’re thrilled to return and we have so appreciated everyone’s cooperation and understanding of the need to protect public health. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.”
The Independence Day celebrations will take place at the following locations:
- July 2: Mid-County Sparkles at Albert Einstein High School, located at 11135 Newport Road in Kensington
- July 4: Germantown Glory at South Germantown Recreational Park, located at 18041 Central Park Circle in Germantown (Boyds)
“We are excited to bring back our Independence Day fireworks displays this year after having to put them on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Montgomery County Department of Recreation Director Robin Riley. This is fantastic event to enjoy music, outdoors and time with family and friends.”
Mid-County Sparkles will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 with a concert by Joe Falero Band, a Latin Jazz band. Quiet Fire, a soul, rhythm and blues and rock band, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. The only parking available on-site at Einstein High School will be for individuals with disabilities. Free parking and shuttle service will be provided from Westfield Wheaton, located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Parking at Westfield Wheaton will open at 5:30 p.m. Event goers who park at Westfield Wheaton prior to 5:30 p.m. may be subject to towing by the property owner. Shuttle service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Follow the directional signs for event parking and shuttles.
Germantown Glory will kick off on July 4 at 7 p.m. with a concert by Quiet Fire, a soul, rhythm and blues and rock band that covers hits from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Follow the directional signs for free on-site parking.
The fireworks displays will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. at both celebrations. The timing of the fireworks shows may change due to weather conditions. Low lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome at both events. There will be food vendors at both locations. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted.
Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request with as much notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. To request special accommodations, contact a therapeutic recreation specialist at 240-777-6870 or email [email protected].
Montgomery County Recreation thanks its sponsors the Maryland Soccerplex, Montgomery Parks and Westfield Wheaton for their support.
For more information, call MC311 at 311 or 240-777-0311 or visit the Montgomery County Recreation website. You can also follow Montgomery County Recreation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Per Noyes Children’s Library:
Kensington, MD – The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, in partnership with Montgomery Parks, presents Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome as the 14th free Noyes StoryWalk®. Families can read this inspiring book on panels placed on the historic grounds of Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, at 16501 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring, MD from June 11– July 3, 2022. On Saturday, June 18 from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, June 19 from 12pm to 4pm, visitors to Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park can explore the StoryWalk®, pick up a children’s take-home activity in the Visitor Center (while supplies last), and explore the Woodlawn Museum free of charge. Visit WoodlawnManor.org for more information.
Before She Was Harriet details the life of Harriet Tubman, beginning with Tubman as an older woman and moving backwards chronologically. The author outlines Tubman’s many roles: a suffragist, a boatman who ferried slaves across the Combahee River, a Union spy, a nurse for soldiers, a savior who helped her parents flee from slavery, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, an enslaved woman named Minty, and finally a young enslaved girl named Araminta. While Harriet Tubman was not active in this part of Maryland, the award-winning book pays tribute to this Maryland native and true American hero through a powerful poem and exquisite watercolor paintings by Cline-Ransome’s husband, artist James Ransome.
Related crafts and resources are also available online atwww.noyeslibraryfoundation.org/events. Families are encouraged to share a selfie while at the StoryWalk® or a photo of a completed craft on the Noyes Children’s Library Facebook page (facebook.com/MakeMoreNoyes); post to Facebook and tag the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation, or post to Instagram and tag @makemorenoyes.
The Noyes Children’s Library Foundation launched its Noyes StoryWalk® program in January 2021 as an early literacy initiative when libraries were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to enable families to enjoy books together in the outdoors. A complete list of the Noyes StoryWalks®, including background information and accompanying crafts, is available at www.noyeslibraryfoundation.org/Events. StoryWalk®is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be holding public tours at the famous Washington D.C. Temple beginning April 28, the first time it will be open to the public since 1974. Details from Governor Hogan’s visit
on April 18 per the State of Maryland below:
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today joined global leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to launch the open house for the Washington, D.C. Temple in Kensington.
“Since 1974, this temple with its beautiful towering spires has been an iconic landmark in Maryland’s skyline along the Capital Beltway and it has been a beacon of hope for the more than 40,000 Marylanders who are members of the church,” said Governor Hogan. “Congratulations to all of the leaders on this wonderful celebration of faith, community, and fellowship.”
This week marks the first time that the Temple, the third largest of its kind in the world, has been opened to members of the press and the public in nearly 50 years. First completed in 1974, it is the 16th operating temple of the church, and the first that was built on the East Coast.
In 2015, the Hogan administration committed to working with the church to promote volunteerism and service by asking Marylanders to pick at least one day in the year to volunteer with a local organization. Last year, the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives announced that this would become a year-round “Just Serve” Initiative.
Beginning on April 28, visitors are expected from around the world for an open house that has been extended through June 11, with the official rededication of the temple taking place on August 14. Information for the open house is available at https://dctemple.org/
Per MCPD:
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Gaithersburg, MD – Gustavo Santos Campos, age 42 of Silver Spring, has been arrested and charged with criminally negligent manslaughter, negligent driving, and failure to control speed in the Tuesday, November 16, 2021, fatal collision that occurred in the Kensington area.
At approximately 3:50 p.m., on November 16, 2nd District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue (MCFR) personnel responded to the intersection of northbound Connecticut Avenue and Franklin Street for the report of a two-vehicle collision.
The investigation revealed that a black 2007 Toyota 4Runner was traveling eastbound on Franklin Street. The second vehicle, a blue 2006 Toyota Tacoma, operated by Santos Campos, was traveling north on Connecticut Avenue. The 4Runner was attempting to cross southbound and northbound Connecticut Avenue when it was struck by the Tacoma causing it to roll over. The driver and passenger of the 4Runner were extricated by MCFR and transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Santos Campos, the driver of the Tacoma, was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
On November 17, 2021, the passenger of the 4Runner, 72-year-old Michaele Anne Belford, of Kensington, succumbed to her injuries while in the hospital.
The Montgomery County Circuit Court issued a warrant for Gustavo Santos Campos on March 15, 2022, in connection with the death of Belford. The warrant was then served on March 18, 2022.
Dewey Dog Park at 11720 Dewey Road in Silver Spring will be closed from Monday, March 21 until Friday, March 25 for renovations, according to Montgomery Parks.
Click here to see a full list of Montgomery County dog parks.
Dewey Local Park reopened after major renovations in October. Details below:
The renovations include a 22,000 square-foot lighted dog park with a separate area for small dogs and a street hockey/futsal facility which was developed in partnership with the Washington Capitals. The rink at Dewey Local Park is the second one of its kind; another one is available at Ridge Road Local Park.
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has just completed a major renovation at Dewey Local Park. The 14.5-acre park located in Silver Springhas been updated to include many new amenities such as a dog park, street hockey/futsal court, and new playground. The park was last updated in 1990.
“This much-anticipated park renovation delivers new amenities the community has been requesting,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks. “An outdoor gym, dog park, and public art among other new features are certain to be a big hit with park users.”
New Park Amenities:
The renovated park features:
- A 22,000 square-foot, lighted dog park with separate areas for small dogs
- A new multi-age themed playground with a perimeter trike track
- A 2,400 square-foot outdoor gym
- Renovation of 1,400 linear feet of the Rock Creek trail
- Public art murals
- Stormwater management and beautiful landscaping
An important addition to the park is the new street hockey/futsal facility which was developed in partnership with the Washington Capitals. The rink at Dewey Local Park is the second one of its kind; another one is available at Ridge Road Local Park.
“The Washington Capitals are excited to partner with Montgomery Parks to help include a street hockey (and futsal court) as part of this renovation. The new outdoor facility is part of our commitment to provide access to the sport to everyone in our market, and it will offer so many residents an opportunity to play hockey,” said Peter Robinson, Director, Youth Hockey Development for the Washington Capitals.
Both street hockey / futsal rinks are available to permit for practices only beginning October 10th through the end of the month, when permit season ends. From November 1, 2020 – March 31, 2020, the rinks are available on a first come, first serve use.
The soccer field in the park, which is currently open for play, will be renovated at the end of the season in late fall and then re-open for play at the beginning of the spring 2021 season on March 15.
